Sustainability
"Sustainable development is a transformation process - the transformation of economies,institutions,
infrastructure, natural and built environments and human hearts and minds"
International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives 1999
Everything we do, whether as individuals, as part of our community or in our work place has an impact on the world around us. The choices we make in our every day lives have implications for the environment
- what we buy
- the way we travel
- the way we use energy and water
- the amount of waste we produce
These decisions affect our local quality of life, which in turn affects the worldwide quality of life.
The aim of Sustainable Development is to ensure that social, environmental and economic issues are all considered together. This will make sure that we meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
We can achieve Sustainability by balancing three things:
- effective protection of the environment and careful use of natural resources
- social progress that recognises the needs of everyone
- continuing high and stable levels of economic growth and employment
Many people liken sustainability to a three legged stool. Each of these parts represents a leg. In order to use the stool the legs must be balanced, to achieve sustainability all three parts must be balanced.
Our challenge is to work towards sustainable development in Cardiff. We need to balance environmental, social and economic concerns in our plans for the future and minimise any negative impact.
For further information, please contact:
Sustainable Development Unit
Strategic Planning and Environment
Cardiff Council
Room CY1
County Hall
Atlantic Wharf
Cardiff CF10 4UW
Tel: 029 2087 3234
Fax: 029 2087 3466
Email: Sustainabledevelopment@cardiff.gov.uk
ID: 282 Revised: 31/3/2008
